An appropriation of $75,000 was set aside some time ago to repair the breach made by the sea at the Hook, but the work could not be commenced until certain laws had been complied with, and the consent of New Jersey had been secured, or Congress had passed a resolution instructing the War Department to proceed with the work.

It will be a great advantage to the Government to close the inlet, as the heavy guns can then be transferred to the proving-grounds on the Hook by a railroad built on solid ground, and not liable to give way under their extreme weight.

The property-owners in the neighborhood, however, are anxious that the inlet should remain open, as they say that the Shrewsbury River has been some two feet deeper since the Hook became an island, the boating and fishing have much improved, and, above all, the current has become so much stronger that the river can now drain itself, and has become much healthier in consequence.

The Secretary of War has been asked to give the matter his careful consideration before he allows the work of closing the inlet to be commenced.

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Our Government has had cause to complain of England in reference to the seal question.

It seems that Great Britain makes hardly any effort to stop the destruction of the seals, maintaining but two vessels in Bering Sea, while the United States maintains five.

We have lately had some correspondence with England on the seal question, but it has not been made public for fear of causing bad feeling.

Mr. Foster, who, as we told you, has been on a special mission to London and St. Petersburg to arrange the dispute, has met with a friendly reception in Russia.  He hopes that the success of his mission in St. Petersburg may induce Great Britain to look favorably on it also.

It is desired that all the countries interested in the matter shall send delegates to a conference to be held in Washington in October.

At the conference it is intended to discuss the whole subject anew and make fresh arrangements.

The difficulty has been that the Treaty of Paris is still in operation, and Great Britain is not willing to open the matter until the treaty has expired.

The Canadian sealers are much averse to the plan of branding the seals.  We told you about this a few weeks ago.

Professor Starr Jordan, who is passing through Victoria on his way to the Seal Islands, there to recommence the work of branding, has met with a very cold reception from the sealers.

Professor Jordan has taken with him an electric outfit for branding, which will do the work more quickly and effectually than the old method.

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We have to record more labor troubles.

The coal miners in the United States have gone on strike, in obedience to the order of the United Mine Workers of America.